NON COMPLIANT BARS SHUT

LINDA SOKO TEMBO Writes

SEVENTEEN bars have been closed by the Lusaka City Council (LCC), for failing to comply to operate within permitted hours.
In a statement issued to The Sun, LCC, Public Relations Manager, George Sichimba said a combined team of public health inspectors, council and state police on Friday night closed 17 bars for operating outside permitted hours.
He said the team conducted a night operation in selected parts of Munali and Kabwata Constituencies.
Mr Sichilima said seven people who claimed to be bar attendants and were found selling liquor in unlicensed bars were apprehended and would only be released when the owners showed up.
He further said the team also confiscated 19 loud speakers and liquor licenses from licensed bars that found operating outside permitted hours.
“The operation meant to check on compliance with the laws and regulations relating to liquor trade, started at 22:00 hours Friday night and ended at 02:30 hours. Some of the items confiscated were documents and music accessories to compel owners to report to the council and answer charges,” he said.
Mr Sicilima added, “The affected bars were found operating outside stipulated hours contrary to the Liquor Licensing (Permitted Hours) Regulations of 2012.The law stipulates that bars and bottle stores (retail liquor) must open at 10:00 hours and close at 22:00 hours.”
He said night clubs/social clubs must open at 10:00 hours and close at 24:00 hours while wholesale liquor must open at 08:00 hours and close at 18:00 hours.
Mr Sicilima said the council was sending a strong warning to people who were operating liquor establishments to always abide by the law to avoid inconveniences adding that, the local authority will not relent in its quest to bring sanity in the city.